Miele ribless drum washing machine

Laundry technology has evolved remarkably over the past two decades, with machines reaching peak energy efficiency. As further reductions in energy consumption become increasingly challenging, manufacturers are shifting their focus to sustainability in fabric care. Traditional washing machine drums feature ribs that create friction, leading to fiber abrasion and premature wear on textiles. However, removing these ribs poses a challenge—without them, laundry struggles to rotate properly in the drum.

Miele has introduced an innovative solution with the Nova Edition W2, the first washing machine featuring a ribless drum. Instead of conventional ridges, it utilizes honeycomb-shaped formations—dubbed “royal combs”—which gently guide laundry through the wash cycle. The true breakthrough lies in its dynamic motion. Rather than continuous rotation, the drum oscillates back and forth like a swing, intelligently adjusting until optimal fabric movement is achieved. This cutting-edge system processes over 700 technical signals per minute to ensure efficient and gentle washing.
Miele’s Next Leap Forward 
The W2 Nova stands as Miele’s most advanced washing machine to date. With this innovation, the company aims to create another milestone in laundry care, reminiscent of its pioneering honeycomb drum and water spray technology introduced 25 years ago. By rethinking fabric treatment, Miele continues to push boundaries in sustainability and intelligent laundry solutions.

Producers could have to pay for e-waste recycling from 2026

A move set to transform the handling of electronic waste, the UK government, through the Department for Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs (Defra), has released an ambitious consultation document proposing significant reforms to the country’s producer responsibility system for waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE).

Central to the proposed changes is an enhanced focus on increasing collections of household WEEE. Under the new system, Local Authorities will play a pivotal role, ensuring the separate collection of a wide array of household electronics – from large domestic appliances and solar panels to TVs and computer monitors. This initiative marks a significant step towards more efficient recycling and disposal of electronic waste.The consultation proposes to extend regulatory obligations to online marketplaces and fulfilment houses, a sector previously unregulated in this context. This change aims to bridge the responsibility gap, particularly for overseas sellers, ensuring comprehensive compliance with the WEEE Regulations across all sales platforms.

The proposed overhaul will see the establishment of a WEEE Scheme Administrator, a sector-led organisation tasked with overseeing the strategic and operational elements of the WEEE systemThe most striking feature of the proposed changes is the introduction of a UK-wide household waste collection system for small and bulky items, financed mainly by the equipment’s importers and manufacturers. This system would obligate sellers to take away old appliances at no extra charge under certain conditions, significantly easing the recycling process for consumers.

The government proposes that producers and distributors without take-back services should finance bulky waste collection services for large WEEE items, typically provided by Local Authorities. This initiative aims to ensure that the disposal of large electronic items does not burden consumers financially.These proposals, if implemented, are expected to significantly increase the efficiency and effectiveness of WEEE collection, treatment, and recycling in the UK, marking a significant leap towards a more sustainable and circular economy. Any changes will take effect from 1 January 2026.

South Korea’s LG Electronics Inc. is taking a step towards a sustainable future by ramping up its resource recycling efforts. The company has successfully collected and responsibly handled nearly 4 million tons of used home appliances.

Did you know that recycling electronics helps reduce waste, conserve valuable resources, and prevent environmental pollution? By participating in recycling programs and supporting companies like LG Electronics, we can all contribute to a greener planet. Remember, every small action counts! 🌍♻️